Lab Technician

This role ensures the integrity and quality of products throughout the manufacturing process and at release. The Lab Technician uses standardized techniques and operating procedures to conduct and analyze tests on sensitive samples, supporting a strong quality and food safety culture.

About the role

As a key member of the Quality team, the Lab Technician performs analytical and sensory testing, maintains laboratory equipment, and upholds strict compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and HACCP requirements.

This role operates in a laboratory within a manufacturing facility that supports a fast-paced production environment. The Lab Technician works with analytical instruments, sensory testing tools, computer systems, and LIMS software, as well as chemical substances, fluids, and compressed gases that must be handled and stored in accordance with Safety Data Sheets and safety protocols. The position follows strict GMP, GLP, and HACCP requirements and emphasizes environmental, health, and safety compliance at all times.

Responsibilities

• Exemplify core values such as integrity, respect, excellence, resourcefulness, teamwork, and safety in all daily activities.
• Adhere strictly to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and HACCP requirements.
• Complete and pass all required laboratory training to perform testing and related tasks safely and accurately.
• Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs) accurately and efficiently for all laboratory activities.
• Record, interpret, and enter test results in specified forms and LIMS software with a high level of accuracy and accountability.
• Perform all required analytical and sensory tests on in-process and finished products in a precise and timely manner.
• Identify and recognize inconsistencies or anomalies in data and report them promptly to the appropriate personnel, including escalation when necessary.
• Receive, handle, label, and store samples according to established SOPs to maintain sample integrity.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, taking corrective action when needed and documenting maintenance activities.
• Handle, organize, and store chemical substances, fluids, and compressed gases in accordance with Safety Data Sheets and safety guidelines.
• Work independently and collaboratively with teams across all departments to support quality objectives.
• Complete verifications of tests, standards, equipment, and instruments to ensure accurate and reliable performance.
• Participate in proficiency and collaborative testing programs to support continuous improvement and quality assurance.
• Communicate effectively with other departments using in-person discussions, radio, email, and telephone as needed.
• Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to assume additional and new responsibilities as business needs evolve.
• Perform routine laboratory tasks with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.
• Create and maintain a neat, clean, well-organized, and professional-looking work area.
• Train colleagues on laboratory procedures, equipment use, and quality standards as required.
• Perform all duties in alignment with environmental, health, and safety policies and objectives.
• Support or assume Quality Control Specialist and Manager responsibilities when required to ensure continuity of operations.
• Maintain retained samples of tested products as needed to confirm test results and support investigations.
• Monitor and maintain adequate supplies used for testing and promptly notify the manager when re-ordering is required.
• Continually compare test results with established standards and specifications to ensure all products remain within defined limits.
• Perform other related tasks and responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

Requirements

• Laboratory experience in an analytical or quality-focused environment (preferred analytical laboratory experience).
• Hands-on lab experience conducting tests on in-process and finished products.
• Proficiency with computer systems and software, including data entry into LIMS or similar systems.
• Ability to follow and apply Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and HACCP requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when recording, interpreting, and entering test results.
• Capability to recognize inconsistencies in data and escalate issues appropriately.
• Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and perform basic corrective actions on laboratory equipment.
• Skill in handling, organizing, and storing chemicals, fluids, and compressed gases safely according to Safety Data Sheets.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with cross-functional teams via in-person, radio, email, and telephone.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain a clean, orderly, and professional laboratory workspace.
• Willingness and ability to work off-shift schedules, including swing and third shift rotations.

Qualifications

• Preferred prior experience in an analytical laboratory setting.
• Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing or production environment.
• Familiarity with LIMS software or other laboratory information management tools.
• Experience participating in proficiency or collaborative testing programs.
• Comfort training and mentoring colleagues on laboratory practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated flexibility to assume additional responsibilities and adapt to changing business needs.
• Interest in contract roles with the potential for continuous extension based on performance and business need.

Schedule

The work schedule is off-shift, most likely on swing or third shift.

• Swing shift: Monday 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m., and Thursday and Friday 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
• Third shift: Monday 11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m., off Tuesday and Wednesday, and Thursday, Friday, and Sunday 11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m., with Saturday 11:00 p.m.–11:00 a.m.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/hr.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite, contract position based in Chattanooga, TN.